*Unpopular Candidates With Certificates of Return May Lose Them*
BY RALPH EJIMKONYE
Indications emerged at the weekend that the All Progressive Grand Alliance may calm the frayed nerves of aggrieved governorship aspirants in Imo State by exploring the option of refunding them of huge funds they expended.
This is said to be part of measures to restore peace and unity in the party plagued by crisis over the controversial governorship primary in Imo State.
The 12 guber aspirants in Imo State had taken a swipe at the State and national leadership of the party fuming that despite spending heavily the party was unable to hold a primary to their satisfaction.
This newspaper gathered that this may be the consideration of the National Reconciliation committee led by Chief Jerry Chukwueke to appease the aggrieved aspirants.
Chukwueke was quoted to have spoken in Awka, Anambra State after a meeting with the Anambra State Executive Committe of the party.
This newspaper was unable to verify if he was referring to aspirants in Imo or Anambra States.
He was reported to have said “We feel a sense of loss but also convinced that we will rise from this, stronger and better and poised to be very successful in the coming elections.
“We have a party that quickly became very successful in terms of membership and aspirants and managing the success is work in progress.
“The National Reconciliation Committee will ensure that anywhere there is established cases of extortion at any level, that restitution will be made.
“Those who can be pinned down as having perpetrated this and they are few shall face the necessary consequences.” he said
Also there are feelers that candidates of the party who are not politically grounded may lose their certificate of return.
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A source in the party told this newspaper that this is aimed at ensuring that candidates who can match their counterparts in other parties are fielded to win elections.
APGA in Imo State had a dose of intra party crisis that is the norm with big political parties when some of its governorship aspirants dragged the State and national leadership to court over its controversial primary won by Senator Ifeanyi Araraume.
The matter is before a Federal High Court, Owerri and has been adjourned to November 13, 2018.
Chukwueke who heads the Reconciliation committee has promised that his committee will do all it can to bring peace and harmony in the party, assuring that APGA was poised to show leadership that is required in the country.
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